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“In fact, I’d prefer to get married right away,” he added, watching her all the while.
She frowned and chewed at her bottom lip. “I wouldn’t mind. I mean if it was just me, but I don’t know how my family would take that. Mama will want to plan a big wedding. I’m her only daughter. It’s not that I care about a big fuss—I don’t. But it would hurt her if she wasn’t able to give us a big wedding.”
He touched her cheek. “Leave your family to me. I assure you, they’ll be on board with my plans. You and I will have the best wedding—one that your mother will be more than satisfied with. I think you’ll find they won’t object to our plans at all.”
Excitement hurtled through her veins until it was nearly impossible to sit still. “I can’t wait to tell everyone! Won’t this just be amazing? Everyone will be so thrilled for me. I know Daddy despaired of me ever finding a suitable man and settling down. He always says I’m too unsettled, but really, I’m still young.”
He gave her an amused smile. “Are you saying you don’t want to get married?”
She stared at him in shock. “No! That’s not at all what I was saying. I was merely going to say that I was waiting for the right man. In this case, you.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” he murmured.
He leaned forward to kiss her brow. “How about you take a long bubble bath to recover from last night’s activities and then we’ll have breakfast together.”
She flushed red. She had to be flaming. But she nodded, eager to discuss their future.
Mrs. Devon Carter. It had such a nice ring to it. And speaking of rings … She glanced down, transfixed by the radiance of the diamond that adorned her finger.
“Like it?” he asked in a teasing voice.
She looked back up at him, suddenly serious. “I love it, Dev. It’s absolutely gorgeous. But you didn’t need to get me something so expensive. I would have loved anything you gave me.”
He smiled. “I know you would. But I wanted something special.”
Her heart did a little dance in her chest. “Thank you. It’s just perfect. Everything is perfect.”
He kissed her again, long and leisurely. When he pulled away, his eyes were half-lidded and they were glowing with desire.
“Go draw your bath before I forget all about breakfast and make love to you again.”
“Breakfast?” she whispered. “Were we planning to eat?”
He made a sound in his throat that was part growl, part resignation.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Ash. As much as you tempt me, I’d rather wait until you’re fully healed from last night.”
She pushed out her bottom lip.
“As adorable as you are when you pout, it won’t move me this time. Now get your pretty behind out of bed and hit the bathroom. Breakfast will be served in forty-five minutes. Plenty of time for you to soak.”
She sighed. “Okay, okay. I’m going.”
She got up and walked toward the bathroom but just as she got to the doorway, something he’d said the night before came back to her. She paused and turned around, her head cocked to the side.
“Dev, what did you mean last night when you said I’d be sleeping here with you every night from now on?”
He rose and pulled his robe tighter around his waist. He stared back at her, his gaze intense and serious.
“Exactly what I said. I’ll want you to move in as soon as possible. I’ll arrange to have what you need transferred from your apartment. You’re mine, Ash. From now on, you’ll spend every night in my bed.”
Four
“Well, you finally took the leap,” Cameron Hollingsworth said as he stared across the room to where Ashley stood with a group of women.
Devon took a sip of the wine, though the taste went unappreciated. He was too distracted. Still, he forced some of it down, hoping it would at least take the edge off.
The official announcement would be made in a few moments. By Devon himself. Ashley’s father had wanted to do the honors, but Devon had preferred to do it himself. William Copeland had already orchestrated entirely too much of Devon’s relationship with Ashley. From now on, things would be done his way.
Though everyone in attendance was well aware it was an engagement party they had been invited to, Ashley had insisted on waiting until all the guests had arrived before their engagement was announced.
“Cold feet already?” Cam asked dryly. “You haven’t said two words since I got here.”
Devon grimaced. “No. It’s done. No backing out now. Copeland has all but signed off on the deal. After the ceremony he’ll fax the final documents and we’ll move forward with the merger. I’ll want to meet with you, Ryan and Rafe as soon as I return from the honeymoon.”
Cam arched an eyebrow. “Honeymoon? You’re actually going on one?”
“Just because this marriage is part and parcel of a business deal doesn’t mean Ashley has to have any less of a marriage or honeymoon,” Devon murmured.
Cam shrugged. “Good idea. Keep her happy. If she’s happy, Daddy’s happy. You know what they say about Daddy’s girls.”
Devon frowned. “Don’t be an ass. She’s …”
“She’s what?” Cam prompted.
“Look, she has no idea what her father’s done. She thinks this is a wildly romantic courtship that culminated in an equally romantic marriage proposal. If I don’t take her on a honeymoon, it’s going to look strange.”
Cam groaned. “This can’t end well. Mark my words. You’re screwed, my friend.”
“Anyone ever tell you what a ball of joy you are?”
Cam held his hands up in surrender. “Look, I’m just trying to warn you here. You should tell her the truth. No woman likes being made a fool of.”
“And have her tell me to go to hell and take my proposal with me?” Devon demanded.
He sighed and shook his head. Yeah, he knew Cam had been through the wringer in the past. He couldn’t blame his friend for his cynicism. But he wasn’t in the mood to hear it right now.
“This deal is important to all of us. Not just me,” he continued when Cam remained silent. “Marriage isn’t my first choice, but Ash is a sweet girl. She’ll make a good wife and a good mother. Everyone gets what they want. You, me, Ryan and Rafe. Ashley, her father. Everyone’s happy.”
“Whatever floats your boat, man. You know I’m behind you all the way. But remember this. You don’t have to marry her to make this work. We’ll find another company. We’ve suffered setbacks before. Not one of us expects you to martyr yourself for the cause. Rafe and Ryan are deliriously happy. There’s no reason you shouldn’t hold out for the same.”
Devon snorted. “Turning into quite the rah-rah man. I’m fine, Cam. There is no love of my life. No other woman in the picture. No one I’d rather marry. I’ll be content with Ashley. Stop worrying.”
Cam checked his watch. “Your intended bride is looking this way. I think you’re on.”
Devon glanced over to where Ashley stood surrounded by friends and relatives. He could never sort out who was who because there were so many. She smiled and waved and then motioned him over.
He handed Cam his wineglass and made his way through the throng of people until he reached Ashley.
She sparkled tonight. She wore a radiant smile that seemed to captivate the room. But then she always drew people. She’d talk to anyone at all about anything at all.
As soon as he approached, she all but pounced on him, took his hand and dragged him into her circle. He smiled at each of the women in turn, but their names and faces kind of blended. After a moment he bent to murmur in Ashley’s ear. “It’s time, don’t you think?”
She all but quivered in excitement. Her eyes lit up and she smiled as she squeezed his hand.
“Excuse us, ladies,” he said smoothly as he drew Ashley away and back in Cam’s direction. There wasn’t anyone standing around Cam. Cam had that effect on people. It was the perfect place to call for attention and announce their engagement.
“Hi, Cam,” Ashley sang out as they walked up to his friend.
She let go of Devon’s hand and threw her arms around Cam’s neck. Cam grinned and shook his head as he attempted to extricate himself from her embrace.
“Hello, Ash,” he said before dropping an affectionate kiss on her cheek. “Come stand by me while Devon makes a fool of himself.”
Devon sent a glare Cam’s way before taking Ashley’s hand and pulling her to his side. Laughing, Cam handed him a fresh wineglass and a spoon.
“What, are you kidding me?” Devon asked. “You want me to bang on a wineglass to get attention?”
Cam shrugged then tossed the spoon aside. Then he put his fingers to his lips and emitted a shrill whistle. “Everyone, I’d like your attention please. Devon here has an announcement for us.”
“Thanks, Cam,” Devon said dryly. Then he turned to face the room filled with Ashley’s friends and relatives. And they were all staring at him expectantly. All wanting him to make this moment perfect for Ashley. Hell. No pressure or anything.
He cleared his throat and hoped like hell that he’d manage to get through it without sticking his foot in his mouth.
“Ashley and I invited you all here tonight to join us in celebrating a very special occasion.” He glanced fondly down at Ashley and squeezed her hand. “Ashley has made me the happiest of men by consenting to marry me.”
The room erupted in cheers and applause. To the right, Ashley’s mom and dad stood beaming at their youngest child. William nodded approvingly at Devon while Ashley’s mother wiped at her eyes as she smiled at her daughter.
“It’s our wish that you’ll all attend our wedding to take place four weeks from today and help us celebrate as we embark on our journey together as man and wife.”
He held up his wineglass and turned again to Ashley whose entire face was lit up with a breathtaking smile. “To Ashley, who’s made me the luckiest man alive.”
Everyone raised their glasses and noisy cheers rang out again as everyone toasted Devon and Ashley.
“Quite an eloquent speech there,” Cam murmured in Devon’s ear. “One would almost think you meant every word.”
Devon ignored Cam and slid an arm around Ashley as they braced for the onslaught of well-wishers pushing forward.
His head was spinning as he processed face after face. Bright smiles. Slaps on the back. Admonishments to take care of “their girl” as everyone in the family seemed to have a claim on Ashley.
She was everyone’s younger sister, daughter, best friend or person in need of protection. It bewildered him and annoyed him in equal parts that everyone in Ashley’s family seemed to think she was incapable of taking care of herself. Nothing in his relationship with Ashley had led him to believe this was an accurate assessment.
Yes, she was flighty. She was too trusting, definitely. She was a bit naive. He grimaced. He supposed he could understand that in a family of business sharks she was an anomaly, and perhaps they were right to worry that she’d be swallowed up.
But it didn’t mean she was totally incapable of taking care of herself. It just meant she needed someone who’d look out for her best interests and occasionally protect her from herself. Someone like him.
Her hand feathered over his arm and she leaned up on tiptoe. He immediately lowered his head, realizing she wanted to tell him something.
“We can leave anytime,” she whispered. “I know my family is a lot to take.”
He almost laughed. Here he’d been thinking of how she needed his protection and she was busy protecting him from her overwhelming family.
“I’m fine. I want you to enjoy yourself. This is your night.”
Her brow furrowed and her eyebrows pushed together as she stared up at him. “And not yours?”
“Of course it is. I only meant that you’re surrounded by your family and friends and I want you to enjoy yourself.”
She smiled, kissed him on the cheek and then settled back at his side as they were besieged my more congratulations.
“Ashley! Ashley!”
Devon turned to see a young woman barreling through the crowd practically dragging a man in her wake. He looked a bit harried but wore an indulgent smile. Devon stared a moment and then realized that whomever the woman was, she bore a striking resemblance to Ashley and she had every appearance of sharing many of the same personality traits. Probably one of her many cousins.
“Brooke!” Ashley cried. She put out her hands just as Brooke careened to a halt and Brooke grabbed hold, beaming from ear to ear.
“Guess what, guess what?” Brooke said breathlessly.
“Oh, don’t make me guess. You know I’m horrible at it!” Ashley exclaimed.
“I’m pregnant! Paul and I are going to have a baby!”
Ashley’s shriek of excitement could be heard over the entire room. Devon winced then quickly glanced around as everyone stared their way.
“Oh, my God, Brooke! I’m so excited for you! When? How far along are you?”
“Just ten weeks. I had to tell you as soon as I found out, but then you’ve been so busy with Devon and then I heard you guys were getting married and I didn’t want to intrude—”
“You should have texted me at least,” Ashley said. “Oh, Brooke, I’m so thrilled for you. I can only imagine how excited I’ll be when I become pregnant. I hope our babies are close together and can be playmates!”
Ashley had grown louder and louder, her exuberance drawing the attention of the others, who cast indulgent smiles in Ashley’s direction.
She was animated and talking a mile a minute, throwing her hands this way and that, and nearly crashed into a passing waiter. Only Devon’s and Cam’s quick lunge for the tray of drinks prevented complete disaster. Ashley continued, oblivious to the chaos around her.
Then she impulsively hugged Brooke again. For the third time. Then she hugged Paul. Then she hugged Brooke again, the entire time wringing her hands in excitement.
Cam chuckled and shook his head. “You’ve got quite the chore on your hands, Dev. Keeping up with her is going to wear your stick-in-the-mud ass out.”
“Don’t you have somewhere else to be and someone else to torture?” Devon muttered.
Cam glanced Ashley’s way once more and Devon swore he saw genuine affection in his friend’s eyes.
“She’s cute,” Cam said as he put his wineglass aside.
“Cute?”
Cam shifted uncomfortably. “She’s sweet, okay? She seems … genuine and you can’t ask for more than that.”
Devon stared agape at his friend. “You like her.”
Cam scowled darkly.
Devon laughed. “You like her. You, who doesn’t like anyone, actually like her.”
“She’s nice,” Cam muttered.
“But you don’t think I should marry her,” Devon prompted.
“Shh, she’s going to hear you,” Cam hissed.
But Ashley had already drifted away from Devon and was solidly ensconced in a squeal-fest with Brooke as others had heard the news and had descended. She wasn’t going to hear an earthquake if a fault suddenly opened up under the building and sucked everyone in.
“If you think she’s so cute and nice, why the big speech about not being a martyr and getting married, et cetera?” Devon persisted.
Cam sighed. “Look, I just hate to see her get hurt and that’s what’s going to happen if you aren’t straight with her. Women have a way of knowing when men aren’t that into them.”
“Who the hell says I’m not into her?”
Cam arched an eyebrow. “Are you saying you are? Because you don’t act like a man who’s into his future bride.”
Devon frowned and looked around, making sure they weren’t overheard. By anyone. Least of all Ashley’s overprotective family. “What do you mean by that? You, Rafe and Ryan know the real circumstances of my relationship with Ashley but no one else does. I’ve given no one reason to suspect that I’m marrying her for any other reason than I want to.”
Once again Cam shrugged. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe because I know the real story it’s easier for me to see that you aren’t as excited as your lovely bride to be is over your impending nuptials.”
“Damn it,” Devon swore. “Now you’re going to have me paranoid that I’m broadcasting disinterest.”
“Look, forget I said anything. I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s none of my business anyway. She just seems like a sweet girl and I hate to see her get hurt.”
“I’m not going to hurt her,” Devon gritted out. “I’m going to marry her and I’m damn sure going to take care of her.”
“And you’re being summoned again,” Cam said, nodding in Ashley’s direction. “I’m going to take off. I’ll walk with you over to Ashley so I can offer my congratulations again and say good night.”
Devon started in Ashley’s direction then listened attentively while she introduced him to one of her cousins—one of the many in attendance—and then waited while Cam said his goodbyes and kissed her on both cheeks.
But the entire time, his mind was racing as he processed his conversation with Cam. Was he coming across as someone who was less than enthused about his upcoming marriage? The very last thing he needed to do was drop the ball when everything was so close to being in his grasp. Finally.
He’d worked too damn hard and long to allow any slips now. If he had to wed Satan himself to seal this deal, he’d don the fire retardant suit and pucker up.
Five
No matter how many nights she’d already spent in Devon’s apartment, she still got butterflies when she entered his bedroom to get ready for bed. Granted she’d only been here a week and it was still a little uncomfortable and awkward because she still didn’t feel any sense of ownership when it came to his home.
She was pulling on her satin nightgown when Devon’s chuckle broke the silence in the room. She turned quickly, her brow furrowed as he regarded her in amusement.
“What’s so funny?”
“You. Every night you spend so much time putting on that lovely nightgown only for me to promptly take it off you when you come to bed. By now one would think you wouldn’t bother.”
She flushed. “It seems … presumptuous … to think you want … I mean to assume you’d want …”
“Sex?” he finished for her.
She nodded, her cheeks flaming.
He grinned and pulled her toward the bed. “I think it’s a safe presumption that I’ll always want sex with you. Feel free to assume all you want. I assure you …” He bent and kissed her lingeringly. “That I’ll never ever …” He slid his mouth down her jaw to her neck and nibbled at her ear. “Not want …” He licked the pulse point at her neck, and her knees buckled. “To have sex with you. Unless I’m in a body cast and even then I’ll be thinking about it.”
Her nose crinkled and she shook with silent laughter. “It’s true then. That sex is all a man ever thinks about?”
“We occasionally think about food.”
She laughed aloud this time. “My mother is scandalized that I’ve practically moved in with you.”
“Not practically,” he said as he slid one strap over her shoulder. “You have moved in with me.”
She shrugged. “Well she was aghast. My father told her to stop being such a worrywart, that you and I were getting married and it was only natural that we’d want time together before the big day to see if we were compatible. Eric, on the other hand, seemed pretty ticked. He thinks Daddy’s nuts to allow me to move in with a man who’s boned half the city—his words, not mine.”
Devon straightened his stance and stared at her with an open mouth. “Do you always do that?”
She sent him a perplexed frown. “Do what?”
He shook his head. “Blurt out whatever comes to mind.”
Her frown grew deeper. “Well, I guess. I mean I haven’t really thought about it. It is what he said. I mean I didn’t really pay any attention to him. He’s just really protective of me and he always gets snarly when a guy starts paying attention to me.”
“I hardly think me asking you to marry me can be compared to some random guy paying attention to you,” he drawled.
“Well, but I’m living with you now so he obviously knows we’re having sex and he doesn’t like to imagine his little sister having sex. With anyone.”
Devon shuddered. “Who would?”
She grinned. “My point is, he’s just being Eric and he had to get his two cents in.”
“For the record, I have not boned half the city.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to kiss her. “As long as I’m the only one you’ll … well, you know, in the future? I don’t really care about the past.”
“The future? Oh, yeah. And the present. Like right now.”
She shivered as he lowered her to the bed. For having been a virgin a mere week ago, her education was no longer sorely lacking. Every night he’d taken her to places she’d only halfway imagined, and others she hadn’t even known existed.
If this was a precursor to how life with him was going to be, she was going to be one very happy woman.
“Joining our meeting via video conference call this morning are Ryan Beardsley and Rafael de Luca,” Devon said as his two friends’ faces flashed up on the monitor on the wall. “Ryan is on location at our site build on St. Angelo Island, where our flagship resort is in its first stage of development. When completed, this resort will be the standard for every new Copeland property. Good morning, Ryan. Perhaps you could give us a progress report on the construction.”
Devon tuned out Ryan and glanced over at Cam, who was slouched in a chair. Devon knew well the progress on construction. He got daily and sometimes hourly reports. Though Ryan was on site, his focus was on his very pregnant wife, who could deliver at any moment. To that end, Devon kept in contact with the foreman so that any issues that arose could be swiftly dealt with.
Cam hadn’t dressed for the occasion. He’d never quite bought in to the idea that image is everything in the business world. But then he didn’t really care what others thought or didn’t think. It was easier for Cam, though. He’d been born to this world, while Devon had to claw and dig his way in, one torn fingernail at a time.
Cam looked like a man who could be heading to the beach for the day or at the very least planning to spend the day kicked back with a beer in one hand and a cigar in the other. But then Cam didn’t drink or smoke. The man had no vices. He was disgustingly perfect in his imperfection.
Members of Tricorp’s staff listened attentively to Ryan’s report. Jotted down appropriate notes. The secretary took detailed minutes. There was an air of expectancy in the room. Everyone knew it was a matter of time before the big merger was announced.
Devon thought it kinder to wait. Maybe he was getting old and soft. Maybe he didn’t even deserve to be on the verge of the biggest coup of his career. Because at the very moment when he stood to gain everything he’d ever wanted, he’d actually gone to William Copeland and suggested that they postpone the announcement for six months. He thought it would be kinder to Ashley if she were to think that business had nothing to do with their marriage and that the merger came after. William wouldn’t have it, however. He insisted that things proceed as planned.
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